Heathrow Third Runway Must Not Undermine UK’s Net Zero Goals, Transport Committee Chair Says
London MP Ruth Cadbury has campaigned against a third runway at Heathrow since 2018 (Alamy)
3 min read
The Transport Committee Chair has said the government must not undermine or “lose sight” of the UK's Net Zero commitments if it gives the green light to a third runway at Heathrow airport.
On Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to approve plans for a third runway at Heathrow as part of a package to increase investment into the UK. The Government’s core mission is to increase the size of the economy, which grew by 0.1 per cent in November 2024.
A third runway could increase flights from Heathrow airport from 480,000 to 720,000. Campaigners in favour of building a third runway believe it could create 14,000 jobs and add £1billion to the economy. A report from the Airports Commission found that it could add a further 70,000 jobs by 2050.
But environmental activists and MPs affected by the policy are concerned it will uplift the UK’s carbon footprint and would be “catastrophic” for its Net Zero commitments. Carbon emissions in the UK peaked in 2001 but have fallen by 53 per cent over the last three decades. The nation contributes 0.9 per cent of all global emissions.
Ruth Cadbury, the Chair of the Transport Committee, told PoliticsHome in an interview that the government should not lose sight of cutting carbon emissions as it debates the merits of a third runway.
“It's really important that we don't lose sight of our net zero commitments. And I have doubts as to how expanding runway three will do that whilst not seriously impacting on the growth potential of other sectors," she said.
“It wouldn't be legal to build Heathrow now, with current noise environment, noise legislation,” she added.
“Even if an open a third runway, even if it delivers good growth, it won’t happen for 10 years at the absolute minimum, would you not want to see some growth sooner?”
Cadbury, the Labour MP Brentford and Isleworth, is concerned her constituents will be affected by an uptick in “noise, congestion and pollution" with the project “incompatible" with its growth and climate policies.
“It will not threaten the jobs of those working at and dependent on the airport, as Heathrow will continue to be the UK’s most important international airport,” she added.
Cadbury called for an aviation strategy in Parliament on Tuesday which would allow the Transport Committee to scrutinise a body of work put forward by the Government. She said a decision of such magnitude should be made within the context of a public review.
The Labour MP said in the chamber on Tuesday the new plans would drag 600,000 into the new 54-decibel corridor of significant noise and air pollution.
The Labour Government in 2009 under Gordon Brown approved a third runway at Heathrow after he cited economic reasons. However, it was ruled out by David Cameron when he was elected as prime minister in 2010.
A Government spokesperson said: "We do not comment on speculation. We are determined to get our economy moving and secure the long-term future of the UK’s aviation sector.
“All expansion proposals must demonstrate they contribute to economic growth, which is central to our Plan for Change, while remaining in line with existing environmental obligations.”
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